Buddhism is a religion without a god or a creed, yet it's a way of life for four hundred million. It seeks
no converts and strives only to relieve suffering. This blog offers no high teaching but only practical observations, mostly about the daily news. You can write me at familyhelpaz@gmail.com.

Saturday, December 17, 2011

Saudi woman beheaded for 'witchcraft and sorcery'

A woman was beheaded in Saudi Arabia for practicing witchcraft and sorcery, the kingdom's Interior Ministry said, prompting Amnesty International to call for a halt in executions there.

Amina bint Abdel Halim Nassar was executed Monday for having "committed the practice of witchcraft and sorcery," according to an Interior Ministry statement. Nassar was investigated before her arrest and was "convicted of what she was accused of based on the law," the statement said. Her beheading took place in the Qariyat province of the region of Al-Jawf, the ministry said.

The Practical Buddhist Responds

Tomorrow I'll write about Mitchell Sims, who's been on California's death row for 24 years. His current appeal is technical, based on the yet-again revised killing method proposed by the state. He's winning this one, so far.

People don't seem to care much about Sims or his 744 condemned fellow-inmates, long ago sentenced to death for crimes of hate and greed and passion, or just being in the wrong place at the wrong time.

Amina Nassar is another story. She was killed for "sorcery." She sold potions to the lovelorn and others hoping for magic. Her death horrifies and shocks. It convinces us that the Saudi kingdom is medieval and cruel.

Why?

In a land still enamored of killing its criminals, sorcery is not on the list of capital crimes. In fact we celebrate it. Outrageously expensive scents and cosmetics promise to bring beauty and adoration. Everyone knows these are lies. No one cares.

In Saudi Arabia you can be killed for making fake potions and false promises. Here they will make you rich.